Pope Francis Named to Time's '100 Most Influential People' List

April 20, 2017

Time magazine recently announced its annual lineup of the “100 Most Influential People” in the world, and Pope Francis has made the list. With categories recognizing an eclectic group of pioneers, icons, titans, leaders and artists, Time’s editors said that this year’s list features many people who are “calling us out” from our comfort zones. By this criterion, the inclusion of Pope Francis makes perfect sense, as he regularly asks Catholics—and the world at large—to question assumptions and seek dialogue and inclusion, especially for the most vulnerable and the voiceless.

Founded as a papal society, Catholic Extension has had a close connection to the message and mission of the popes throughout our history. The papacy of Pope Francis has been especially inspiring to our work, as his call to bring the Catholic Church to the margins of society is exactly what Catholic Extension has been doing for more than 111 years.

Our chancellor, Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago, wrote a tribute to Pope Francis for Time magazine that perfectly captures the Pope’s missionary spirit and the principles that guide the work of Catholic Extension.